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Six charged with child cruelty back in court

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE six women charged with child cruelty in connection with the beating of a number of wards at the Children’s Emergency Hostel appeared in a Magistrate’s Court for a bail application variation yesterday.

Eloise Canter, Carmetta Woods, Natasha Pratt, Occonelle Gordon, Sabrina Smith and Shawn Seymour appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt over the issue of the group having to report each Monday to a police station as part of their bail conditions.

The prosecutor did not object in relation to Canter as she is in a wheelchair. However, for the rest of the women, she argued the reporting condition was not that stringent and asked that it remain.

The magistrate agreed with the prosecutor and stated that Canter now only has to appear before the court.

The magistrate also said it is unfortunate the trial had not commenced as yet, but explained the COVID-19 challenge among staff and difficulties with the court’s calendar contributed to the delay.

The women will return to court on February 1 before Magistrate Kendra Kelly where it is hoped a trial date will be set.

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